Tinkercad Basics

Loveland CreatorSpace — 3D Modeling Guide

Tinkercad is one of the easiest ways for new members to begin creating their own 3D models. It runs entirely in a web browser, requires no installation, and teaches the core concepts of 3D design through simple shapes and intuitive tools.

This page introduces members to the fundamentals needed to design printable models for our Bambu Labs 3D printers.

1. What Tinkercad Is

• A free, browser-based 3D modeling tool

• Ideal for beginners and quick prototypes

• Uses simple geometric shapes to build complex models

• Exports directly to STL or OBJ for slicing

Tinkercad is not meant for advanced engineering, but it is perfect for learning the basics and creating functional parts.

2. Getting Started

Create an Account

• Visit tinkercad.com

• Sign in with a free account

Start a New Design

• Click Create New Design

• You’ll enter the Workplane — your main modeling area

3. Understanding the Interface

Workplane

The blue grid where you place and manipulate shapes.

Shape Library

Right-hand panel containing basic shapes:

• Box

• Cylinder

• Sphere

• Wedge

• Text

• Holes (negative shapes)

Navigation

• Right mouse drag: Orbit

• Scroll wheel: Zoom

• Shift + drag: Pan

4. Core Modeling Concepts

4.1 Using Shapes

Drag shapes from the library onto the Workplane.

4.2 Moving & Rotating

Use the arrows and curved rotation handles to position your shape.

4.3 Resizing

White corner handles adjust length, width, and height.

4.4 Grouping

Grouping combines multiple shapes into one solid.

• Select two or more shapes

• Click Group

4.5 Holes (Subtracting Material)

Any shape can become a Hole.

• Set a shape to Hole

• Group it with a solid to cut material away

This is how you create openings, slots, and internal cavities.

5. Designing a Simple Part

Example Workflow

1. Drag a Box onto the Workplane

2. Resize it to your desired dimensions

3. Add a Cylinder Hole to create a mounting hole

4. Group the shapes

5. Add fillets using the Round Roof or Scribble tools if needed

6. Tips for Printable Designs

• Keep wall thickness at least 1.2 mm

• Avoid extremely thin or unsupported features

• Use holes and groups to create clean geometry

• Check for overhangs that may require supports

• Export as STL for slicing in Bambu Studio

7. Exporting Your Model

• Click Export in the top-right corner

• Choose STL for 3D printing

• Import the STL into Bambu Studio

8. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Forgetting to group shapes (results in slicing errors)

• Creating non-manifold geometry by overlapping holes incorrectly

• Designing parts too thin to print

• Misaligning shapes — use the Align tool

9. Learning More

• Tinkercad’s built-in tutorials

• YouTube beginner walkthroughs

• CreatorSpace members who can help with CAD basics

10. Orientation Completion

Members should demonstrate:

• Ability to place, resize, and group shapes

• Use of holes to remove material

• Exporting a clean STL

• Understanding of basic printability constraints